Method, system, and program for creating a job ticket inlcuding information on components and print attributes of a print job

ABSTRACT

The present invention concerns a method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for creating a job ticket on a computer, wherein the job ticket includes information on components and print attributes of a print job. The created job ticket includes an identification record including information identifying the job ticket, a document record including information on a document included in the print job and print attributes for the document, and an item record including information on an item that is a component of the document and print attributes for the item. The item may be a print image file. The job ticket may further include a record including information on scheduling options for the print job. The item record is arranged in a lower hierarchical relationship to the document record such that the print attributes for the document apply to the item. After creating the job ticket, the present invention processes the job ticket and, then, transmits the processed job ticket to a printer. A GUI program may be installed on the computer used to create the job ticket. In such case, the user would use an input device, such as a mouse pointer and keyboard, to enter information in the job ticket records.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to the following co-pending andcommonly-assigned applications:

Application Ser. No. 08/932,065, filed on same date herewith, by LeonardCorning Lahey, Deborah Elisabeth Neuhard, and Dwight Ross Palmer,entitled “A Method For Organizing Files Associated With A Job Ticket InA Network Printing System,” attorney's docket number AM9-97-113;

Application Ser. No. 08/929,997, filed on same date herewith, by DeborahElisabeth Neuhard, Robert Curt Nielsen, Dwight Ross Palmer, and LuanaVigil, entitled “A Method For Organizing Raster Image Processor FilesAssociated With a Job Ticket Used in a Network Printing System,”attorney's docket number AM9-97-101;

Application Ser. No. 08/932,066, filed on same date herewith, by DeborahElisabeth Neuhard, Robert Curt Nielsen, Dwight Ross Palmer, and LuanaVigil, entitled “Method For Customizing Print Attribute Choices Based OnSelected Model, Media, And Printer,” attorney's docket numberAM9-97-102;

Application Ser. No. 08/931,013, filed on same date herewith, by LeonardCorning Lahey, Dwight Ross Palmer, and John Stuart Walker, entitled “AMethod for Organizing Files in a Library in a Network Printing System,”attorney's docket number AM9-97-103;

Application Ser. No. 08/929,844, filed on same date herewith, by LeonardCorning Lahey, entitled “Method for Real Time Customization of a DialogBox for Accessing a Library Within a Network Printing System,”attorney's docket number AM9-97-114;

Application Ser. No. 08/929,637, filed on same date herewith, by KateGoes In Center, Deborah Elisabeth Neuhard, Robert Curt Nielsen, andDwight Ross Palmer, entitled “A System, Method, and Program for UsingAnimations to Show Page Layout Combinations in a User Interface forSubmitting Print Jobs,” attorney's docket number AM9-97-098; and

Application Ser. No. 08/929,627, filed on same date herewith, by LeonardCorning Lahey, Deborah Elisabeth Neuhard, and Dwight Ross Palmer,entitled “A System, Method, and Program for Including Within a UserInterface Having File Menu Options an Ability to Make a New File Like aPre-Existing File Wherein Any Pre-Existing File Can Be a Template for aNew File,” attorney's docket number AM9-97-099;

all of which applications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a job ticket that includesinformation describing the components and print attributes of a printjob and, in particular, to a method, apparatus, and article ofmanufacture for creating a job ticket using a graphical user interface.

2. Description of the Related Art

Network printing systems generally comprise an assemblage of differentprinters, client computers, servers, and other components connected overa network. A print job is assembled at a client computer and transmittedover the network to a server linked to a variety of printers. Theprinters may have different printing capabilities. Thus, for a givensubmitted print job, some printers in the network may not be able toprocess the print job. To route print jobs through a network printingsystem, International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) providesPrinting Systems Manager (PSM) products that provide centralized anddistributed management of a network printing system. The IBM PSM systemsmanage the flow of print jobs and insure that a print job is routed to aprinter that can handle the job.

A print job is comprised of one or more electronically-stored files andthe print attributes therefor. The print attributes inform the printerhow to process the files. To assemble print jobs, prior art systemsinclude software installed on the client computer that displays agraphical user interface (GUI). Using a mouse, keyboard, etc., the userselects from a menu of options displayed in the GUI the components andprint attributes for a print job. The client computer, under control ofthe installed software, would then create an electronically-stored jobticket based on the information entered by the user.

Job tickets typically only define the print attributes for a singlefile. However, a document may be comprised of multiple files, eachhaving one or more print attributes. In the prior art, an user puttingtogether a document comprised of multiple files would have to manuallykeep track of the location of the different files and manually assemblethe files for printing. Moreover, the user would have to insure that thejob tickets submitted for each file include the proper print attributes.Print jobs comprised of multiple documents, which are further comprisedof multiple files, only increase the complexity of the user's task.Thus, there is a need in the art for network printing systems thateliminate these problems and facilitate the printing of complexdocuments comprised of multiple files stored throughout the networkprinting system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To address the requirements described above, the present inventiondiscloses a method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for creating ajob ticket on a computer, wherein the job ticket includes information oncomponents and print attributes of a print job. The created job ticketincludes an identification record including information identifying thejob ticket, a document record including information on a documentincluded in the print job and print attributes for the document, and anitem record including information on an item that is a component of thedocument and print attributes for the item. The item record is arrangedin a lower hierarchical relationship to the document record. Further,the print attributes for the document apply to the item. After creatingthe job ticket, the present invention processes the job ticket and,then, transmits the processed job ticket to a printer.

In alternative embodiments, the step of creating the job ticket mayfurther include the step of creating a record including information onscheduling options for the print job. In still further embodiments, theitem record identifies a file stored in a computer readable medium andinformation on the location of the file. The computer would process thejob ticket and access the file based on the file location information.The computer would then transmit the processed job ticket and a copy ofthe accessed file over a network to a server. The server would generatea print file from the processed job ticket and transmitted file andtransmit the print file to a printer.

In still further embodiments, a monitor and input device may be attachedto the computer. In such case, the step of creating the job ticket wouldfurther include the steps of displaying fields on the monitor in whichinformation on the identification of the job ticket, document, item, andprint attributes thereof could be entered using the input device.

It is an object of the present invention to create a job ticket thatprovides an improved system for organizing the information needed toprepare a print job comprised of multiple file items having differentprint attributes.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide in a singlejob ticket information on the location of all files included in theprint job.

It is still a further object of the present invention to arrangecomponents of the print job in a hierarchical relationship, whereinprint attributes set at one level apply to lower hierarchical levels.This aspect of the present invention further insures that component fileitems and groups of file items within a document having common printattributes will be printed in accordance with such common printattributes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers representcorresponding parts throughout:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary hardware environmentfor a network printing system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a preferred embodiment of a jobticket data structure in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 3, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 5 a, 5 b, 6 a, 6 b, 6 c, 7 a, 7 b, 8, 9, and 10illustrate embodiment of a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on amonitor in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 11 is a flowchart that illustrates the general logic of a messageor event-driven operating system and application program performing thesteps of the present invention.;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart that illustrates the general logic for apreferred embodiment of a routine performing the steps of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram is illustrating a preferred embodiment forinterfacing the present invention with databases of files in varyingformats.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings which form a part hereof, and which is shown, by way ofillustration, several embodiments of the present invention. It isunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changesmay be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Hardware Environment

FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a network printing system 2adapted to incorporate the present invention. The network printingsystem 2 comprises a plurality of client computers 4 a, b, c that areconnected to an InfoPrint Multiple Printer Controller (MPC) server 6 viaa network 8 (e.g., Token-ring, LAN, Ethernet, WAN, TCP/IP, etc.).

In the preferred embodiment, the client computers 4 a, b, c comprisepersonal computers that execute under the control of an operatingsystem, such as the WINDOWS operating system. However, those skilled inthe art will recognize that the client computers 4 a, b, c couldcomprise any type of computer such as a workstation, mainframe, etc.,and the operating system could comprise any operating system, such asOS/2, OS/390, MVS, VM, AIX, MACINTOSH, UNIX, etc. Installed on eachclient computer 4 a, b, c is InfoPrint Submit software 10. The InfoPrintSubmit software 10 configures the client computers 4 a, b, c to allowthe user to create and submit a job ticket in accordance with thepresent invention. Attached to each client computer 4 a, b, c is aninput device 12 a, b, c (e.g., keyboard, mouse pointing device, voiceactivated input device, touch sensitive display, etc.), monitor 14 a, b,c (e.g., CRT, LCD displays, etc.), as well as a data communicationdevice 16 a, b, c (e.g. modems, network interfaces, etc.) to interfacewith the network 8.

In the preferred embodiment, the InfoPrint MPC server 6 is an RS/6000workstation that executes under the control of an AIX operating system.However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the InfoPrint MPCserver 6 could be comprised of any type of computer such as a personalcomputer, workstation, server, minicomputer, mainframe, etc., and theoperating system could comprise any operating system, such as OS/390,MVS, VM, OS/2, WINDOWS, MACINTOSH, UNIX, etc. Installed in the InfoPrintMPC server 6 is a spooler/scheduler 20, a Print Services Facility (PSF)device specific subsystem (DSS) 22, an AIX DSS 24, and an IC70 DSS 26.

The spooler/scheduler 20 is comprised of the InfoPrint executable codeand includes a suite of applications. The spooler/scheduler 20 receivesprint jobs from the client computers 4 a, b, c and generates printerfiles that are transmitted to a printer 28, 30, 31 or 32 that canappropriately handle the print job. In this way, the user may elect tonot specify a printer in the network printing system 2 and let thespooler/scheduler 20 select an appropriate printer 28, 30, 31 or 32.

After processing the print job and selecting a destination printer 28,30, 31 or 32 for the job, the spooler/scheduler 20 sends the print jobto one of the device specific subsystems PSF DSS 22, AIX DSS 24, andIC70 DSS 26. The DSS programs 22, 24, 20 and 26 are device drivers fordriving printers 28, 30, 31, 32 attached to the InfoPrint MPC server 6,wherein the PSF DSS 22 drives printers 28 and 30, the AIX DSS 24 drivesprinter 31, and the IC70 DSS 26 drives printer 32. In the preferredembodiment shown in FIG. 1, the printers attached to the InfoPrint MPCserver 6 include an InfoPrint/60 printer 28, an InfoPrint/4000 printer30, and an InfoColor/70 printer 32.

Also connected to the network printing system 2 is a library server 34storing an InfoPrint library 36 of files and job tickets. In preferredembodiments, the library server 34 is a RISC System/6000 that executesunder the AIX operating system and includes the IBM DB2/6000 databasesoftware which provides database management services for the library 36.However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the library server34 could comprise a personal computer, workstation, mainframe etc. andthe operating system could comprise OS/2, WINDOWS, UNIX, O/S 390, MVS,VM, etc., and that alternative database programs could be used in lieuof IBM's DB2/6000. In alternative embodiments, the InfoPrint MPC server6 may be the hardware platform for the library server 34. The InfoPrintlibrary 36 is a complete document storage system that archives printingfiles, application source data, fonts, images, TIFF data, etc. Theclient computers 4 a, b, c may directly access, store, view and retrievefiles and job tickets from the InfoPrint library 36. The hardware andsoftware arrangement of the library server 34 and InfoPrint library 36is further described in Application Ser. No. 08/931,013, filed on samedate herewith, by Leonard Corning Lahey, Dwight Ross Palmer, and JohnStuart Walker, entitled “A Method for Organizing Files in a Library in aNetwork Printing System,” attorney's docket number AM9-97-103 andApplication Ser. No. 08/929,844, filed on same date herewith, by LeonardCorning Lahey, entitled “Method for Real Time Customization of a DialogBox for Accessing a Library Within a Network Printing System,”attorney's docket number AM9-97-114. Both these applications wereincorporated by reference above.

It should be appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, the networkprinting system 2 may be comprised of components and products other thanthose discussed above. Moreover, the network printing system 2 can beimplemented on different operating systems and hardware. For instance,hardware and software from manufacturers other than IBM may be used toperform the functions of the InfoPrint MPC server 6, thespooler/scheduler 20 and DSS drivers 22, 24, and 26, the library server34, and the InfoPrint library 36. Printers having printing capabilitiesdifferent from the disclosed printers 28, 30, and 32 may be used.Further, in alternative embodiments, any number of client computers 4 a,b, c having alternative user interfaces may be used. Still further, theclient computers 4 a, b, c may connect to the InfoPrint MPC server 6 viamultiple networks and remote lines. Those skilled in the art willrecognize that other alternative hardware and software environments maybe used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Assuch, the exemplary environment in FIG. 1 is not intended to limit thepresent invention.

Job Ticket

The present invention includes the data structure of anelectronically-stored job ticket and the computer-implemented method,apparatus, and article of manufacture used to create the job ticket. Thejob ticket of the present invention maintains information on printattributes and the location of the print files which comprise the printjob.

FIG. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the hierarchical tree structurearrangement of data within a job ticket 40 as stored in a data structurein a memory or as stored as a file in a data storagle device. The firstrecord in the job ticket 40 is a job ticket attribute record 42, whichincludes identification information, such as the file name containingthe job ticket 40, a job ID, the customer name, etc.

Within each job ticket 40 are also one or more document records, whereinFIG. 2 shows two document records 44 and 46. The document records 44, 46include all the information the InfoPrint MPC server 6 needs to print adocument included in the print job.

Each document record 44, 46 is associated with one or more part records.Document record 44 is associated with two part records 48 and 50. A partis the smallest component submitted to the printer for printing. Forinstance, if the document is comprised of a black and white text bodywith a color cover, one part 48 would be the black and white text andanother part 50 would be the color cover.

Each part record 48, 50 is a grouping of one or more item records. Partrecord 48 is a grouping of two item records 52 and 54. An item recordincludes information on a component of the print job. In preferredembodiments, item records 52, 54 may include information on thefollowing item types: a file item; a hardcopy item; a library file item;variable data; and an inventory item.

A file item is a print image file, such as a TIFF, PostScript, RIP, PDFor PCL file. Included in the item records 52, 54 is information on thelocation of the item, e.g., the location of the print image file withinthe network printing system 2 and the location of the source file fromwhich the print image file item was generated. The user may want to knowthe location of the source file to modify the contents of the printimage. The location information included in the item records 52, 54 isused to access the print image files for printing.

A hardcopy item is a list of scanned TIFF files.

A library file item is a file archived in the library 36. The libraryfile item may include information on the location of the library filewithin the library 36.

Variable data includes files used to create customized print settings toadd to the print job, e.g., adding the name and address of the customerto the printed document.

The inventory item includes information on an item to be packaged withthe document 44, 46 which is not printed, such as a diskette, CD-ROM,etc.

Thus, an “item” includes print image files comprised of datarepresenting graphical images that are associated with the file item,hardcopy item, library file item or variable data item. The item records52, 54 also include information on files associated with the print imagefiles for the item. Such associated files may include a source file fromwhich the file item was generated, a Raster Image Processor format ofthe file item, and a viewable version of the format item. For instance,if the file item is a PostScript file, then the viewable version wouldbe in the PDF file format. Other file types may also be associated withthe items.

In the present invention, the job ticket 40 stores print attributeinformation, such as information on the layout of the printed page, theprinter selected, the alignment of the page, and the look of the page,for each element included in the job ticket 40. As used herein, the term“element” means any of the document records 44, 46, part records 48, 50,and item records 52, 54 included in the job ticket 40. Any printattribute information set for an element at a higher hierarchical levelin the tree applies to the elements at the lower hierarchical levelswhich branch from that higher element. For instance, print attributeinformation set at the document record 44 level automatically applies tothe part records 48, 50 and the item records 52, 54 which branch fromthe document record 44. Print attribute information set at the partrecord 52 level likewise applies to the items 52, 54 branchingtherefrom. In this way, the lower level elements inherit the printattributes of the higher level elements from which they branch.

The print submission attribute record 56 includes information on theprint job, such as scheduling options, priority, difficulty, etc. Theinformation in the print submission attribute record 56 does not affectwhat is printed, but instead concerns the work flow of the print job.

In preferred embodiments, print attribute information is stored askey/value pairs. The key is the mode or name of the attribute and thevalue is the value for the operation. For instance, to indicate aselection of a media type for a print job, the print attributeinformation would be stored as Input Bin/Tray 1. The key is the inputbin containing the selected media, and the user selected value is thefirst tray. This key/value method for representing print attributeinformation is readily extendible. To add additional values for specificprint attribute types, the new value would be described with referenceto its key. Thus, when the InfoPrint Submit software 10 and print driverprograms 22, 24, 26 are processing the print attribute information, theyimmediately recognize the operation the value represents.

InfoPrint Submit Software

The job ticket 40 may be created on the client computer 4 a, b, c usingthe InfoPrint Submit software 10 installed thereon. The InfoPrint Submitsoftware 10 includes a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on themonitor 14 a, b, c that the user may use to create the job ticket 40.The InfoPrint Submit software I0 then translates the job ticket 40created thereby to a format compatible with the InfoPrint MPC server 6.

The client computer 4 a, b, c transmits this translated job ticket 40along with the items identified in the item records 52, 54 to theInfoPrint MPC server 6 over the network 8. The InfoPrint MPC server 6uses the information in the translated job ticket 40 to process thetransmitted items 52, 54 and generate printer files based thereon. TheInfoPrint MPC server 6 then selects an appropriate printer 28, 30, 31 or32, to print the print job and transmits the printer files to theselected printer 28, 30, 31 or 32 for printing.

When printing copies of the items or a part including a group of items,the InfoPrint MPC server 6 prints a cover sheet on top of each set ofcopies including the information in the job ticket attribute record 42to identify the set of copies. The user can then gather the copiesgenerated at different printers throughout the network printing system 2and assemble the final document using the information on the cover sheetfor guidance.

In this way, the present job ticket invention maintains information onall the documents included in a customer order and all informationneeded by the InfoPrint MPC server 6 to print the different documentswithin a customer order.

Graphical User Interface

FIGS. 3, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 5 a, 5 b, 6 a, 6 b, 6 c, 7 a, 7 b, 8, 9, and 10are illustrations of the graphical user interface (GUI) 60 provided bythe InfoPrint Submit software 10. The user creates the job ticket 40 byentering information into different fields and selecting specificoptions presented in the GUI 60. Standard user interface mechanisms arepreferably implemented in the GUI 60 to provide the user with thenecessary functionality and ease of use.

FIG. 3 shows the GUI 60 presented to the user upon selecting the jobticket option via an icon or command. At the upper portion of the GUI 60is a main menu item bar 62 that includes main menu items Ticket, Edit,Item, Options, and Help. Selecting one of the main menu items with amouse or keyboard command, invokes a further submenu of functionsavailable to the user. Table 1 shows the submenus for each main menuitem and functions included therein. Table 2 shows all the functionsassociated with each main menu item and provides a description of thebehavior of each of the functions. Below the main menu item bar 62 is atool bar 64 comprised of icons that represent certain functions. Belowthe tool bar 64 is an area presenting six fields labeled Name,Description, Customer, Job ID, Copies, and Library. These six fieldscomprise the information in the job ticket attribute record 42. The userplaces the cursor in one of the fields with the mouse and then entersthe identification information.

The GUI 60 further includes a tree section 66 for displaying theelements (document records 44, 46 and item records 52, 54) associatedwith the job ticket 40. FIG. 3 shows only a single document element,Document 1. Associated with each element in the tree section 66 areprint attribute page tabs 68 a, b, c, d, e, which in the preferredembodiment are radio buttons displayed on the GUI 60. The user can causethe display of a Layout, Print, Align, Look, and Advanced printattribute page 70 a, b, c, d, or e by selecting one of the correspondingprint attribute page tabs 68 a, b, c, d, e. FIG. 3 illustrates theAdvanced print attribute page 70 e, which includes fields in which theuser may specify a transform option to override any conflictingattributes and to build a new document object.

FIGS. 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 5 a, 5 b, 6 a, 7 b, 7 c, 8 a, and 8 b show theprint attribute pages 70 a, b, c, d associated with Document 1 in thetree section 66. Table 3 provides the print attribute pages 70 a, b, c,d, e available for each type of element. FIGS. 4 a, 4 b, and 4 cillustrate a preferred embodiment of the Layout attribute page 70 a, inwhich the user may specify the layout of the printed pages. FIGS. 4 a, bshow drop down menus 72 a, b, respectively, of layout options, e.g.,whether the pages are printed side by side, booklet style, etc. FIG. 4 cshows a drop down mcnu 74 of side options, e.g., to print on two sides,one side, etc. Table 4 provides a description of the values in theLayout attribute page 70 a and the behavior of the Layout attributes.

FIGS. 5 a, b illustrate a preferred embodiment of the Print attributepage 70 b. FIG. 5 a shows a drop down menu for a Printer type 76 fieldin which the user can specify any printer or a specific printer 28, 30,31 or 32 to print the Document 1. If the user selects a specific printer28, 30, 31 or 39, then the InfoPrint Submit software 10 modifies therange of print attribute values available in pages 70 a, b, c, d, e toinclude only those print attribute values supported by the selectedprinter 28, 30, 31 or 32. FIG. 5 b shows a drop down menu for a Papcrtype 78 field in which the user may select a paper type. Table 5provides a description of the attributes in a preferred embodiment ofthe Print attribute page 70 b and the behavior of the attributes.

FIGS. 6 a, 6 b, and 6 c illustrate the Align attribute page 70 c, whichallows the user to specify the orientation and placement of the of thepage. Table 6 provides a description of the attributes in a preferredembodiment of the Align attribute page 70 c and the behavior of theAlign attributes.

FIGS. 7 a and 7 b illustrate the Look attribute page 70 d andaccompanying drop down menus. The Look attribute page 70 d includesfields in which the user can set the look of the printed output, e.g.,standard, dark, etc., and identify the printer that will receiverasterized data. Table 7 provides a description of the attributes in apreferred embodiment of the Look attribute page 70 d and the behavior ofthe Look attributes.

FIG. 8 shows a submenu 80 displayed when the user selects the Ticketitem from the main menu item bar 62. The functions included in thesubmenus of the main menu items may be represented as an icon oralphanumeric string displayed in the GUI 60. The submenu 80 representsthe functions as alphanumeric strings describing the function. TheTicket submenu 80 includes functions which allow the user to open apreviously created job ticket (Open), create a new job ticket (New),save a job ticket the user has modified (Save or Save as), print theopened job ticket 40 (Print Ticket) or submit the job ticket to theInfoPrint MPC server 6 for printing (Submit Job). The Ticket submenu 80further includes the Submit function which allows the user to enter theinformation for the print submission attribute record 56. The Submitfunction allows the user to select a File and Schedule pages into whichthe user may enter scheduling priority setting information for the jobticket 40. Tables 8 and 9 provide a description of a preferredembodiment of the fields and behavior of such fields in the File andSchedule pages.

Once the user creates a job ticket, the user may save the job ticket 40or submit the job ticket 40 to the printing services manager 6 using theSave and Submit Job functions displayed in the Ticket submenu 80.

FIG. 9 shows an Open dialog box 82 that appears when the user selectsthe Open function from the Ticket submenu 80 (FIG. 8). The user mayselect and open one of the previously saved tickets displayed in theOpen dialog box 82.

FIG. 10 shows the tree section 66 with two hardcopy items (Hardcopy 1and Hardcopy 2) and two file items in PostScript format (alignbox.ps and6×9.ps). The user may add, modify or delete elements from the treesection 66 using functions included in the Item and Edit main menuitems. The Item submenu, shown in Table 1, includes functions whichallow the user to add items, including files, hardcopies, library files,and variable data, and add documents. The user adds the hardcopy itemsusing the Insert Hardcopy function and the PostScript file items usingthe Insert File function within the submenu of the Insert main menuitem. The Edit submenu includes functions, shown in Table 1, which allowthe user to modify the arrangement of the elements within the treesection 66, i.e., Move Up, Move Down, Remove, Delete.

FIG. 10 also shows a File attribute page 84 that appears when the userselects a particular file item with the mouse pointer. In FIG. 10, theuser has selected the alignbox.ps file item. The file attribute page 84allows the user to add information to the job ticket 40 on the locationof the file item alignbox.ps and a source file from which the file itemwas generated. A file to print area 86 includes a File field 88 in whichthe user enters the location of the file item selected in the treesection 66, which in FIG. 8 is the directory path for the file“alignbox.ps.” The user may enter the file location with a keyboardattached to the client computer 4 a, b, c or the Browse radio button inthe File to Print 84 area. The Browse radio button invokes a filemanager GUI, such as is provided with the Microsoft Windows File Manageror Explorer programs. A file format field 90 indicates the format of thefile item. This file format may be sniffed from the file name in theFile field 88 or entered by the user. A source file field 92 providesthe location of the original file from which the file item wasgenerated. The user may enter the directory path for the source file inthe source file field 84 using the keyboard or the Browse radio button.

Using the preferred embodiment of the present invention discussed above,the user may create a job ticket including documents and items, and setprint attributes for the documents and items by selecting options in theprint attribute pages 70 a, b, c, d, e. As discussed, any setting at thedocument level within the tree section 66 applies to lower level itemsthat branch from the document. There are primarily three ways to changethe print attribute values available in the print attribute pages 70 a,b, c, d, e. First, as discussed above, when a user selects a printer 28,30, 31 or 32, the print attribute values reset to the values supportedby the selected printer 28, 30, 31 or 32. Second, the InfoPrint Submitsoftware 10 may occasionally query the InfoPrint MPC server 6 to obtaininformation on all the installed printers and printing optionsavailable. The InfoPrint Submit software would then modify the range ofattribute values the user may select based on the information receivedfrom the InfoPrint MPC server 6 during the query. This process ofquerying the InfoPrint MPC server 6 to update printing options availableon the client computer 4 a, b, c is described in detail in theco-pending and commonly-assigned Application Ser. No. 08/932,066, filedon same date herewith, by Deborah Elisabeth Neuliard, Robert CurtNielsen, Dwight Ross Palmer, and Luana Vigil, entitled “Method ForCustomizing Print Attribute Choices Based On Selected Model, Media, AndPrinter,” attorney's docket number AM9-97-102, which application wasincorporated by reference above. Still further, the InfoPrint Submitsoftware includes the feature of allowing attribute fields to be added,deleted or modified in the print attribute pages 140. Third, the usermay modify, delete, and add print attribute fields to the printattribute pages 70 a, b, c, d, e.

In the preferred embodiment of the GUI 60 as set forth in Tables 1-9,the GUI 60 does not include a function to create the part record 48, 50discussed above. Users can only create document records 44, 50 and itemrecords 52, 54. However, in alternative embodiments, the job ticket 40could include part elements. In such case, one of the submenus for themain menu items would include a function for adding parts records to thejob ticket 40, such as the parts 48, 50 discussed above with respect tothe job ticket 40 embodiment of FIG. 2. Alternatively, a submenu mayinclude a function for grouping items into a named part. Associated witheach part record 48, 50 would be print attribute pages 70 a, b, c, d, ewhich would include fields for the user to enter print attributeinformation for the part records 48, 50. As discussed, any printattribute information entered for the part records would apply to anyitem records grouped in the part record.

Operational Flowcharts

FIG. 11 is a flowchart that illustrates the general logic of theInfoPrint Submit software 10 according to the present invention. TheInfoPrint Submit software 10 is event or message drive software, whereinoperations are performed when transitions are made, based upon thereceipt of messages or events, from present or current states to newstates.

The general logic 100 begins by waiting at block 102 for an event (e.g.,a mouse button click). It should be appreciated that during this time,other operating system tasks, e.g., file, memory, and video tasks, etc.,may also be carried out. When an event occurs, control passes to block104 to identify the event. Based upon the event, as well as the currentstate of the client computer 4 a, b, c determined in block 106, a newstate is determined in block 108. In block 110, the routine 60transitions to the new state and performs any actions required for thetransition. In block 112, the current state is set to the previouslydetermined new state, and control returns to block 102 to wait for moreinput events.

The specific operations that are performed by block 100 whentransitioning between states will vary depending upon the current stateand the event. The various operations required to implement and maintainthe present invention represent particular events handled by routine100. 1lowever, it should be appreciated that these operations representmerely a subset of all of the events handled by any applications programor operating system.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart that illustrates more specific logic performed bythe InfoPrint Submit software 10 when the GUI 60 is displayed asindicated at 114. The logic begins by waiting at block 116 for an event(e.g., a mouse button click signifying selection of a menu item). Whenan event occurs, control passes to blocks 118-139 to identify the eventsand perform associated functions.

Block 118 is a decision block that represents the client computer 4 a,b, c determining whether a main menu item displayed on a main menu itembar 62 (FIG. 3) was selected and SingleClicked. If so, control transfersto Block 129; otherwise control transfers to block 122. Block 120represents the client computer 4 a, b, c displaying in the GUI 60 asubmenu for the selected main menu item. From block 120, controltransfers to block 124, which is a decision block that represents theclient computer 4 a, b, c determining whether a displayed functionwithin the submenu was selected. If so, control transfers to block 126;otherwise control transfers to block 128. Block 126 represents theclient computer 4 a, b, c performing the selected submenu function.After performing the selected submenu function, control transfers toblock 130, which represents the client computer 4 a, b, c removing thedisplay of the submenu. Block 128 is a decision block that representsthe client computer 4 a, b, c determining whether the user SingleClickedon an area of the GUI 60 outside of the displayed submenu. If so,control transfers to block 130, which represents the client computer 4a, b, c removing the display of the submenu; otherwise control transfersback to block 116.

Block 122 is a decision block that represents the client computer 4 a,b, c determining whether an element (document, part or item) displayedin a tree section 66 of the GUI 60 (FIG. 3) is selected with aSingleClick. If so, control transfers to block 132; otherwise controltransfers to block 139. Block 132 represents the client computer 4 a, b,c highlighting the selected element to indicate its selection. Fromblock 132, control transfers to block 134, which represents the clientcomputer 4 a, b, c displaying print attribute page tabs 68 a, b, c, d, e(FIG. 3) associated with the element highlighted at block 132. Fromblock 134, control transfers to block 136, which is a decision blockthat represents the client computer 4 a, b, c determining whether aprint attribute page tab 68 a, b, c, d, e was selected. If so, controltransfers to block 138; otherwise control transfers back to block 116.Block 138 represents the client 4 a, b, c displaying a print attributepage for the selected print attribute page tab 68 a, b, c, d, e, whichin the case of FIG. 3 is the Advanced print attribute page 70 e. Block139 represents the client computer 4 a, b, c performing otherprocessing.

The various functions associated with a SingleClick event are determinedby the current state of the InfoPrint Submit software 10. In manyinstances, the current state is represented visually on the monitorconnected to the client computer 4 a, b, c.

It should be appreciated that there are a large number of states, eventsand operations that are associated with the Infollrint Submit software10. Generally, these various operations performed by the InfoPrintSubmit software 10 can be classified within certain categories:

while in any mode, selecting a main menu item from the main menu itembar 62 to display a submenu of functions;

after selecting an element (document, part or item) within the treesection 66 of the GUI 60, selecting the Item or Edit main menu items tomodify or edit the tree structure arrangement of elements;

after selecting an clement within the tree section of the GUI 60,selecting a print attribute page tab 68 a, b, c, d, e for the selectedelement; or after selecting a print attribute page tab 70 a, b, c, d, e,entering print attribute information on the displayed print attributepage 70 a, b, c, d, e.

In preferred embodiments, the various operations described above arespecifically related to the InfoPrint Submit software 10. Of course,those skilled in the art will recognize that the use of the presentinvention with computer programs may result in different operations (orpotentially the same operations).

Also in the preferTed embodiment, the identifier SingleClick is intendedto indicate a default single click action, which uses the left mousebutton. Other mouse buttons are indicated through the use of appendedidentifiers, such as (RightMouseButton), etc.

Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that the use of anymouse button, keyboard sequence, voice command, or other user input ismerely a design choice, and the functions performed by the presentinvention could be invoked by any number of different combinations ofmouse buttons, keyboard sequences, voice command, or any other userinput.

Interfacing with Other Products

In certain cases, the user may have a database of print image files,print jobs, job tickets, and other data. The format, including printattribute format, of the files stored in the user's database may not becompatible with the format of files created with the InfoPrint Submitsoftware 10. In such case, an application program interface (API) can beused to interface between the InfoPrint Submit software 10 and theuser's database. FIGS. 13 a and 13 b illustrate how an API may interfacebetween the InfoPrint Submit software 10 and the user's database. FIG.13 a shows an API 160 handling requests between the GUI 60 included inthe InfoPrint Submit software 10 and a user's database 164 which storesdata in a format that is not compatible with the InfoPrint Submitsoftware 10. In the embodiment of FIG. 13 a, the user may build a jobticket using the GUI 60. Whenever a user requests data from the user'sdatabase 164 through the GUI 60, the API interface 160 will providelinkage for the call. The API interface 160 will convert the files inthe user's database 164 to a format compatible with the GUI 60.

FIG. 13 b shows an alternative use of the API with the presentinvention. In FIG. 13 b, the API program is used to build an API jobticket 168 which is compatible with the files stored in the user'sdatabase 164. The format the API job ticket 168 provides for storingprint attribute information is different from the job ticket createdwith the InfoPrint Submit software 10 GUI 60. When the InfoPrint Submitsoftware 10 attempts to process the API job ticket 168, a dynamic linklibrary (DLL) program 172 is called to convert the API job ticket 168into a job ticket 174 that is compatible with the InfoPrint Submitsoftware 10. The process of FIG. 13 b could work with any job ticket orjob processing format incompatible with the InfoPrint Submit software.

Conclusion

This concludes the description of the preferred embodiments of theinvention. The following describes some alternative embodiments foraccomplishing the present invention.

For example, the client computer 4 a, b, c and InfoPrint MPC server 6may be any type of computer, such as a mainframe, minicomputer, workstation, personal computer or combinations thereof operating under anysuitable operating system. In addition, the client computer 4 a, b, cmay include any software program, application or operating system havinga graphical user interface and performing the operations of the presentinvention. Still further, some or all of the functions described aboveas being performed by the client computer 4 a, b, c could, inalternative embodiments, be performed by the InfoPrint MPC server 6, andvice versa.

Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the GUI and datastructure may be modified to accommodate different types of printattributes other than those described above. Still further, the GUI mayhave a different appearance, layout and design then the GUI describedabove.

Still further, those skilled in the art will recognize that in theflowcharts set forth in FIGS. 11 and 12, programming steps may be added,modified, deleted or performed in an order different than the order setforth in the preferred embodiments.

In summary, the present invention discloses a method, apparatus, andprogram for creating a job ticket on a computer, wherein the job ticketincludes information on components and print attributes of a print job.The created job ticket includes an identification record includinginformation identifying the job ticket, a document record includinginformation on a document included in the print job and print attributesfor the document, and an item record including information on an itemthat is a component of the document and print attributes for the item.The job ticket may further include a record including information onscheduling options for the print job. The item record is arranged in alower hierarchical relationship to the document record such that theprint attributes for the document apply to the item. After creating thejob ticket, the present invention processes the job ticket and, then.transmits the processed job ticket to a printer.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the inventionhas been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. Itis not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to theprecise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possiblein light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of theinvention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by theclaims appended hereto. The above specification, examples and dataprovide a complete description of the manufacture and use of thecomposition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the inventioncan be made without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.

TABLE 1 SUBMENUS OF MAIN MENU ITEMS Ticket Edit Item Options Help New .. . Undo Insert File . . . Print Job Status . . . Contents New Like . .. — Insert Hardcopy — About . . . Open . . . Cut Insert Library file . .. Refresh Lists — Copy Insert Variable Data . . . — Save Paste — Setup .. . Save As . . . — View Preferences . . . Package . . . Move UpPreflight Papers . . . — Move Down — Archive . . . Rename Add DocumentRetrieve . . . Remove — Delete Submit Job . . . Print Ticket . . .Printer Setup . . . — previous job tickets — Exit

TABLE 2 DESCRIPTION AND BEHAVIOR OF MAIN MENU ITEM FUNCTIONS Menu ItemAvailable Behavior Ticket New Always Clears all fields in the windowincluding the general attributes and the tree view. Changes Name fieldto Untitled and marks (selects) it. New Like . . . Always Opens thestandard Open dialog. Set Files of type field to Job Ticket Files. Whena job ticket is selected, it is opened with the Name field set toUntitled (and marked) and the Job ID field cleared. Open . . . AlwaysOpens the standard Open dialog. Set Files of type field to Job TicketFiles. If file name does not match the job name, change the value of thejob name. Save Always Saves the current job ticket. If the job has notbeen saved before, open the standard Save As directory. Show thedirectory specified in Preferences as the default directory. Set thefile name to the job name. If it is saved as a different name, changethe job name in the ticket to match the new name. If the name is aduplicate name, open the standard Do You want to Replace? Dialog. Saveas . . . Always Opens the standard Save As dialog. The Save as typefield defaults to job ticket type. If this ticket has not been savedbefore, default the directory to the directory specified in Preferences.The directory for changes based on the Save as type and the directoriesspecified in Preferences. Set the file name to the job name. If it issaved as a different name, change the job name in the ticket to matchthe new name. If the name is a duplicate name, open the standard Do Youwant to Replace? Dialog. Package . . . Always Open Select Directorydialog (Alex's). The job ticket, and all the files associated with thisjob ticket are saved in the directory. If any files reside in theLibrary, they are copied to this directory. If any files have .pdf or.rip associated with them, they are copied to this directory. Archive .. . Job is saved and Packages the job ticket and its files and archivesthe job. Library is installed If the job is displayed in the statuswindow, update the status. Retrieve . . . Job is saved and Opens theLogon dialog if this is the first invocation of Library is installedLibrary. Then opens the Retrieve Ticket dialog. When the ticket isselected from the Library, a new job ticket is created. The Name is setto. Untitled (and marked), the Job ID is cleared, and the tree is filledwith references to the Library shared directory. Submit Job . . . AlwaysOpens the Submit dialog. If there are no items in the tree, put up amessage. Print Ticket . . . Always Opens the standard Print dialog.Prints the formatted job ticket. Printer Setup . . . Always Opens thestandard Print Setup dialog. previous job Always Lists the previous Xjob ticket file names where X is tickets specified in the PreferencesDialog. Exit Always Closes the job ticket window. If the current jobticket file has changed from the last time it was saved, prompt the userto save the file. Edit Undo After a cut or a paste. Undoes cut or paste.Cut Always Cuts the selected item, part or document to the clipboard.Copy Always Copies the selected item, part or document to the clipboard.Paste After a Cut or Copy Pastes the item to the current position in thetree. Move up Item, Part or Docu- Moves the selected item before theprevious item that's ment is selected at the same level. and item is notthe first item Move down Item, Part of Docu- Moves the selected itemafter the next item that's at the ment is selected same level. and itemis not the last item Rename Always Puts the standard edit box around theselected item in the tree. If the item is a file, the file to print isnot renamed, just the item in the tree. If the file is a LibraryReference, the file to print is not renamed, just the item in the tree.Remove Always Removes the selected item from the tree. If the onlydocument is selected, removes all the items for that document, butleaves the document in the tree. Delete Only disabled when a Opens aprompt confirming deletion of the item. Library Reference is •Document - Prompt for all items in document. All selected. items anddocument will be deleted. If this is the only document in the tree, theitems will be deleted, but the Document level will still be in thetree/ticket. Delete associated files (RIP files and PDF files) • File -Prompt for the file. The file will be deleted and removed from thetree/ticket Delete associated files (RIP files and PDF files) • LibraryReference - Can't do it. • Variable Data - Prompt for all files relatingto this item. The files will be deleted and the item will be deletedfrom the ticket/tree. Delete associated files (RIP files and PDF files)• Hardcopy - Prompt for all 10 files relating to this item. The fileswill be deleted and the item will be deleted from the ticket/tree.Delete associated saved RIP files. Item Insert file . . . Always Opensthe standard open dialog listing the allowed filetypes (see sniffed filetypes). Replace Open button with Insert button. After file is selected,the new file item is added to the Tree View following the currentlyselected item. The item displays the fully qualified file name and theFile attribute pages are shown. Insert hardcopy Always The item HardcopyX is added to the Tree View following the current item and the hardcopyattribute pages are shown. X starts at 1 and increments for everyhardcopy item in the job. Insert library Library is installed Opens theLibrary Logon dialog (only the first time). If file . . . the file issaved, the fully qualified file name is added the Tree view followingthe current item. If the file is referenced, the Tree view is updatedwith the filename. The file attribute pages are shown. Insert variableDisable after one The item Variable Data X is added to the Tree viewdata variable data item is following the current item and the variabledata attribute added to the tree (there pages are shown. X starts at 1and increments for every can only be 1 variable variable data item inthe job. data item in a ticket). Preflight When selected file is a OpensPreflight Dialog. PostScript file View Always Opens the viewer for theselected item as specified in the Preferences dialog. If this is aPostScript file, and a PDF does not already exist, open the Preflightdialog. Add document Always Adds a Document X following the currentdocument. If no items are selected, the item is added to the bottom ofthe list. X starts at 1 and increments for every document in the job.Options Print job status . . . Always Opens the Print Job Status dialog.Refresh lists Always Queries for Logical printers and for Papers.Refreshes those drop down lists. Setup . . . Always Opens the Setupdialog. Preferences . . . Always Opens the Preferences dialog. Papers .. . Always Opens the Papers dialog. Help Contents Always Opens WinHelpto the Contents page. For Mac, it opens Netscape with the contents ofthe page loaded. About . . . Always Opens the About box.

TABLE 3 Selected Tree Item Attribute Pages Shown Document Layout PrintAlign Look Advanced File File* Print Align Look Advanced LibraryReference File* Print Align Look Advanced Hardcopy Scan Files* Hardcopy*Print Align Look Advanced Variable Data Variable Data* Referenced Files*Print Align Look Advanced

TABLE 4 DESCRIPTION OF ATTRIBUTES IN THE LAYOUT ATTRIBUTES PAGE ANDBEHAVIOR OF ATTRIBUTES DESCRIPTION OF THE LAYOUT ATTRIBUTES pd attributeLabel Control Values Operations Default sides, plex Sides drop down listSimplex, Duplex, Tumble, Use Duplex server default output-format Layoutdrop down list Side by side copies, Slit and Side by side copies merge,Booklet, No adjustment, Use server default number-up Number up drop downlist 1, 2, 3, 4, Use server default 2 form-definition Use form check boxwith 8 alphabetic characters unchecked definition entry field followinglabel Calculate check box checked at document number of level. pagesjob-page-count Number of entry field with 0-999999 For an item, blankpages spin box For a Document, totaled from items when box is checked.BEHAVIOR OF THE LAYOUT ATTRIBUTES Label Available Behavior Sides Disablewhen Booklet (set to simplex: set sides = 1 plex = simplex duplex) anddisable when Form duplex: set sides = 2 plex = simplex Def specifiedtumble: set sides = 2 plex = tumble Use server default: do not sendsides or plex Updates bitmap Layout Always Updates bitmap Disable Numberup when Slit and merge or No Adjustments. Set Sides to Duplex anddisable Sides when Booklet. Number up Disable when Layout is SlitUpdates bitmap and merge or No Adjustment or Use server default Disablewhen Use Form Definition is checked Use form definition Disabled on itemlevel. When a file is not specified, the file defaults to what AtDocument level, disabled for is specified in the IVD. This file resideson the IC 70. server. Disables the following: Sides, at an item levelLayout choices Side by side copies and Booklet Number up Paper, at anitem level Rotation Align page Calculate number of Disabled at itemlevel If this box is checked, at the document level total the pagesnumber of pages for each item. Number of pages Disabled at item leveljob-page-count is only set at the document level.

TABLE 5 DESCRIPTION OF ATTRIBUTES IN PRINT ATTRIBUTES PAGE AND BEHAVIOROF ATTRIBUTES DESCRIPTION OF PRINT ATTRIBUTES pd attribute Label ControlValues Default printer-models- Printer type drop down list InfoPrint4000 InfoPrint 4000 requested InfoPrint 60 Any black and white InfoColor70 default-printer- 600 resolution default-medium Paper drop down listlist from query of supported first in list default-input-tray media,list of checked trays in Preferences, Use server defaultstart-on-new-sheet Start on a front check box unchecked facing pagetransform-output- Save RIPed checkbox unchecked file-name file BEHAVIOROF PRINT ATTRIBUTES Label Available Behavior Printer Read-only at itemIP 4000 - sets Calibrate for field on Look page. Disables the following:type level Tray paper choices. No adjustment Layout choice. Paper, at anitem level IP 60 - Sets Calibrate for field on Look page. Disables thefollowing: Slit and merge Layout choice. Insert Variable Data menu item.Any B&W - Defaults Calibrate for field on Look page to Server default.Disables the following: Tray paper choices. Slit and Merge and Noadjustment choices for Layout choices. Insert Variable Data menu item.Paper, at an item level IC 70 - Disables the following: Tray paperchoices Paper, at an item level Align page Look page Advanced page Formdefinition field Save RIPed file field RIP Options in Print SubmitGeneral Options in Print Submit Use RIP button in Print Submit Stackerin Print Submit Separator Sheets in Print Submit Paper Disabled at itemIf a tray is specified, set default-input-tray and use appropriate papersize level when: for Align page. Use Form Otherwise, set default-mediumand use default untrimmed page size from Definition is the media objectfor Align page. checked on Layout page. IP 4000 or Any B&W Start Alwayson front facing page Save Disabled for IC 70 If checked, settransform-output-file-name to the jobname in the directory RIPedspecified in the job ticket. The directory is determined by the sharedfile directory specified in the Setup dialog.

TABLE 6 DESCRIPTION OF ATTRIBUTES IN THE ALIGN ATTRIBUTES PAGE ANDBEHAVIOR OF ALIGN ATTRIBUTES DESCRIPTION OF THE ALIGN ATTRIBUTES pdattribute Label Control Values Default Page Content Groupbox withRotation drop down and Trim and Scale radio buttons content-orientationRotation drop down list None, 90° clockwise, None 180°, 90°counterclockwise, Use server default image-fit Trim to radio button onunfinished page size Scale to radio button off unfinished page sizeUnfinished Groupbox with Length page size and Width Length spinboxnumbers If Paper is a media- supported, get this information from themedia object. If the object information is blank, use the default set inPreferences. If this is a tray, use the default set in Preferences forthe selected tray. Width Finished page Groupbox with Length, size Widthimage-length Length entry field with spin box page size default to un-trimmed page size image-width Width x-image-shift Page placement dropdownlist Upper left, Upper Upper left x-image-shift-back right, Uppermiddle, y-image-shift Center left, Center y-image-shift-back middle,Center right, Lower left, Lower middle, Lower right, Other Showpushbutton placement BEHAVIOR OF THE ALIGN ATTRIBUTES Label AvailableBehavior Rotation Always* Shows image rotated in Placement dialog. Trimto unfinished page Always* sets image-fit toid-val-image-fit-position-and-trim size Scale to unfinished Always* setsimage-fit to id-val-image-fit-scale-to-fit page size Unfinished pagesize Always* Use this value to determine the offsets and in thePlacement dialog. Use the units that are specified in Preferences.Finished page size Always* Use this value to determine the offsets andin the Placement dialog. Use the units that are specified inPreferences. Page placement Always* Use this value to set the offsetsdisplayed in the Placement dialog. This value is updated based on thePlacement dialog. Note: Other is used when additional shifting has beenperformed. Show placement Always* Opens the Placement dialog. *Note:This tab is disabled when Printer type is IC 70 or when Use FormDefinition is checked.

TABLE 7 DESCRIPTION OF ATTRIBUTES IN LOOK ATTRIBUTES PAGE AND BEHAVIOROF ATTRIBUTES DESCRIPTION OF THE LOOK ATTRIBUTES pd attribute LabelControl Values Default output- Output drop down list Use server defaultUse server default appearance appearance Standard Highlight midtonesDark Custom . . . base-printer Calibrate for drop down list Use serverdefault, set to value of Printer InfoPrint 4000, InfoPrint type. IfPrinter type is 60 Black and white, set to server default and disable.screen-frequency Screen frequency drop down list Use server default, Useserver default 71,85,106 scanner- Scanner editable drop Use serverdefault, TIFF - Server correction correction down list Xerox DocuImage620S, default None Hardcopy Item - Server default Otherwise - NoneBEHAVIOR OF THE LOOK ATTRIBUTES Label Available Behavior Outputappearance Always* When custom is selected, pop-up a prompt for the nameof the custom output appearance file. When this window closes, put thevalue in this field. Calibrate for Disabled for Any B&W (and set toserver default)* Screen frequency Always* Scanner correction Always**NOTE: This page is not shown for the IC 70.

TABLE 8 FILES PAGE Description: pd attribute Label Control ValuesDefault printer-name- Printer drop down list displays all logical firstin the list requested printer values that can submit jobs to the printerspecified by Printer Type job-client-id Print job ID read-only field jobID plus submit same as value count(.00x). If the job ID is blank, usejobname. results-profile Copies to print spin box 1..99999 number ofcopies job-copies increments by 10 specified in job ticket optimize-for-Proof checkbox unchecked multiple-copies job-page-count Pages to printspinbox 1-999999 total number of pages for checked items.auxiliary-sheet- Separator Group box with Slipsheet checked selectionsheet checkboxes for Start, Slipsheet and End output-bin Stacker dropdown list Base, Side Side Files to print list box with 2 Item columnfiles in currently columns labeled All items from the selected item areItem, and File to current document are checked. Print. Each item listed.in the item The selected item is column has a checked. checkbox. File toPrint column include the file created date (for both RIP and Files:fully qualified filename or filename.rip when file has already beenRIPed. Hardcopy: x TIF files or x RIPed files Library: fully qualifiedfilename or filename.rip when file has already been RIPed. Variabledata: name of document definition file or docdef.rip. Check allpushbutton Uncheck all pushbutton ReRIP all pushbutton ReRIP selectedpushbutton includes checked Behavior Label Available Behavior PrinterAlways Displays all logical printers that submit jobs to printers of thespecified type. When the printer type is All Black and White printers,list all logical printers that send jobs to the IP 60 or the IP 4000.Print job ID read-only The submit count starts at .001 for a new or newlike job and is incremented for every submission of any part of this jobticket. If no job ID is specified, use the jobname. Copies to printAlways From the general attributes on the job ticket. Note: this valueprints on the header sheet. Save value for next invocation of dialog.Proof Always Set Copies to print to 1 (but allow to be changed). For IP4000, set optimize-for-multiple-copies to false. When this field isunchecked, reset the value to the value from the general attributes onthe job ticket (and for IP 4000, set optimize-for-multiple-copies totrue). Value not saved for next invocation of dialog. Pages to PrintAlways Update whenever an item is checked or unchecked until Pages toPrint is manually changed. Separator Disable for IC 70 Values are start,sep, end. When multiple boxes are checked, Sheets append the appropriatevalue. For example when Start and Slipsheet are checked the value isstart-sep. When Slipsheet and End are checked, the value is sep-end.Stacker Disable for IC 70 Disable for IP 60 Item column Always List allitems in current document. Check the currently selected item. If thedocument is currently selected, check all items. Files to print AlwaysIf the .rip file exists for an item and it is newer than the item'scolumn file, use the .rip file as the file to print. If the .rip file isolder than the item's file, use the item's file as the file to print. Ifprinting .pdf.files will be supported and the Print PDF file option ischecked in the Preferences dialog, use the .pdf file when the .rip filedoes not exist or is older than the .pdf or item file and the .pdf isnewer than the item's file. This column should also include informationabout the creation or modification date of the file to print. Note: Whenthe printer type is IC 70, this column always shows the item's file.Check all Always Checks all the items Uncheck all Always Unchecks allthe items ReRIP all Disabled for IC 70 Changes the file to print for allitems to be the item's file. ReRIP selected Disabled for IC 70 Where theRIP file exists, changes the file to print for the selected items to bethe item's file.

TABLE 9 SCHEDULE PAGE Description pd attribute Label Control ValuesDefault job-rip-action RIP Options Group box with Use server defaultjob-hold •Use server radio buttons default •Hold •RIP only •RIP thenhold •Print job-priority General Group box job-complexity •Priorityentry field with 1-10 5 spinbox •Complexity entry field with 1-10 1 spinbox job-retention- Save job at server Group box Do not save at serverperiod job-retain-until Do not save at Radio button server Save forRadio button with 1 Day entry field and drop down list Save until Radiobutton with month drop down January- current month list December daydrop down # days in the current day list month year drop down any futureyear current year combo Time hours drop down 0:00-23:00 23:00 list(whole hours only) job-deadline-time Print by Group box check uncheckedbox month drop down January- current month list December day drop down #days in the current day list month year drop down any future yearcurrent year combo Time hours drop down 0:00-23:00 23:00 list (wholehours only) Behavior Label Available Behavior RIP Options Disabled forIC 70 •Use server defaults - do not send job-rip-action or job hold•Hold - set job-hold=true and job-rip-action=rip-and-print •Otherwise -set job-rip-action to setting indicated by radio button and setjob-hold=false General Disable for IC 70 •set job-priority to value * 10•set job-complexity to value in spin box Save job at Always server Donot save Always Do not send job-retention-period or job-retain-until. atserver Disable For and Until date/time fields. Save for Date/time fieldsdisabled Enable date/time fields. Send value for job-retention- when Foris not selected period. If days is set, multiply value by 24 beforesending. Save until Date/time fields disabled Enable date/time fields.Send value for job-retain-until. when Until is not selected Print byAlways Enable date/time fields when checked. Disable date/time fieldswhen not checked. Send job-deadline-time to values specified dindate/time fields.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of creating a job ticket on a computer, wherein the job ticket includes information on components and print attributes of a print job, comprising the steps of: (a) creating a job ticket, wherein the job ticket includes: (1) an identification record including information identifying the job ticket; (2) a document record including information on a document included in the print job and print attributes for the document; (3) an item record including information on an item that is a component of the document and print attributes for the item, wherein the item record is arranged in a lower hierarchical relationship to the document record, and wherein the print attributes for the document apply to the item; (b) processing the job ticket; and (c) transmitting the processed job ticket to a printer.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of creating the job ticket further includes the step of creating a record including information on scheduling options for the print job.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the item identified in the item record is a print file that includes data representing graphical images, wherein the print file is stored in a computer readable medium, and wherein the item record further includes information on a location of the print file.
 4. A method of creating a job ticket on a computer, wherein the job ticket includes information on components and print attributes of a print job, comprising: (a) creating a job ticket, wherein the job ticket includes: (1) an identification record including information identifying the job ticket; (2) a document record including information on a document included in the print job and print attributes for the document; (3) an item record including information on an item that is a component of the document and print attributes for the item, wherein the item record is arranged in a lower hierarchical relationship to the document record, wherein the print attributes for the document apply to the item, and wherein the item identified in the item record is a print file that includes data representing graphical images, wherein the print file is stored in a computer readable medium, and wherein the item record further includes information on a location of the print file;  processing the job ticket with the computer to perform: (1) accessing the file identified in the item record based on the file location information; (2) transmitting the processed job ticket and a copy of the accessed file over a network to a server; (3) generating with the server a print file from the processed job ticket and transmitted file; and (4) transmitting the print file from the server to a printer.
 5. A method of creating a job ticket on a computer, wherein the job ticket includes information on components and print attributes of a print job, comprising: (a) creating a job ticket, wherein the job ticket includes: (1) an identification record including information identifying the job ticket; (2) a document record including information on a document included in the print job and print attributes for the document; (3) an item record including information on an item that is a component of the document and print attributes for the item, wherein the item record is arranged in a lower hierarchical relationship to the document record, and wherein the print attributes for the document apply to the item, and wherein the item is a member of the set of items comprising: a print image file; a hardcopy file including a list of TIFF files; a library file stored in a library storage device within a server in communication with the computer; variable data describing customized printing options; and an inventory item including information on an object to be included with the print job; (b) processing the job ticket; and (c) transmitting the processed job ticket to a printer.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the print attribute information is a member of the set of information comprising a layout of a printed page, a model name of a printer on which to print, shading of printed matter printed on the page, and alignment of the printed matter on the printed page.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the job ticket further includes: (a) a second item record including information on a second item and print attributes therefor, wherein the second item is a second component of the document, wherein the second item is in a lower hierarchical relation to the document; and (b) a part record associated with both item records and including print attribute information, wherein the part record is in a lower hierarchical relation to the document record and in a higher hierarchical relation to both item records, wherein the print attributes in the document record apply to the part record, and wherein the print attributes that apply to the part record apply to both the item records.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein a monitor and input device are attached to the computer and wherein the step of creating the job ticket further includes the steps of: (a) displaying a job ticket identification field on the monitor of the computer in which information identifying the print job is entered using the input device; (b) displaying a document field on the monitor of the computer in which information on the document included in the print job is entered using the input device; (c) displaying an item field on the monitor in which information on the item is entered using the input device; (d) displaying print attribute fields for a selected document record and item record in which information on the print attributes of the selected document record and item record is entered using the input device; and (e) storing the entered information in the job ticket.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the steps of displaying the job ticket identification field, document field, item field, and print attribute fields further includes the steps of displaying these fields in a GUI and further including the step of displaying in the GUI a graphical representation of the hierarchical relationship between the document and the item.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of displaying the print attribute fields for a selected document record and item record further includes the steps of: (a) displaying in the GUI a graphical representation of at least two tabs, wherein each tab identifies a page that is associated with at least one of the print attribute fields; and (b) displaying in the GUI the page and the print attribute fields associated therewith upon a selection of the tab associated with such page with the input device.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the print attribute information is stored in the job ticket as a key/value pair, wherein the key describes the attribute and the value describes a value for the attribute identified by the key.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein a database stores item records, wherein a program performs the steps of creating and processing the job ticket, wherein the format of the item records in the database is incompatible with the program, further including the steps of: wherein the step of creating the job ticket further includes the step of the program making a call to the database for an item record therein; converting with an application program interface the called item record in the database to a format compatible with the program when the program calls the database for the item record therein; and wherein the step of creating the job ticket further includes the step of adding the converted item record to the job ticket.
 13. A computer system for creating a job ticket, wherein the job ticket includes information on components and print attributes of a print job, comprising: (a) means, performed by the computer system, for adding to the job ticket information identifying the job ticket; (b) means, performed by the computer system, for adding to the job ticket a document record including information on a document included in the print job and print attributes for the document; (c) means, performed by the computer system, for adding to the job ticket an item record including information on an item that is a component of the document and print attributes for the item, wherein the item record is arranged in a lower hierarchical relationship to the document record, and wherein the print attributes for the document apply to the item; (d) means, performed by the computer system, for processing the job ticket; and (e) means, performed by the computer system, for transmitting the processed job ticket to a printer.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, further including means, performed by the computer system for adding information on scheduling options for the print job to the job ticket.
 15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the item identified in the item record is a print file that includes data representing graphical images, wherein the print file is stored in a computer readable medium, and further including means, performed by the computer, for adding information on a location of the print file to the item record.
 16. A computer system for creating a job ticket, wherein the iob ticket includes information on components and print attributes of a print job, wherein the computer system is comprised of a computer and a server linked together over a network, comprising: (a) means, performed by the computer system, for adding to the job ticket information identifying the job ticket; (b) means, performed by the computer system, for adding to the job ticket a document record including information on a document included in the print job and print attributes for the document; (c) means, performed by the computer system, for adding to the job ticket an item record including information on an item that is a component of the document and print attributes for the item, wherein the item record is arranged in a lower hierarchical relationship to the document record, wherein the print attributes for the document apply to the item, and wherein the item identified in the item record is a print file that includes data representing graphical images, wherein the print file is stored in a computer readable medium, and wherein the item record further includes information on a location of the print file; (d) means, performed by the computer, for accessing the file identified in the item record using the file location information; (e) means, performed by the computer, for transmitting the processed job ticket and a copy of the accessed file over the network to the server; (f) means, performed by the server, for generating a print file from the processed job ticket and transmitted file; and (g) means, performed by the server, for transmitting the print file to a printer.
 17. A computer system for creating a job ticket, wherein the iob ticket includes information on components and print attributes of a print job, comprising: (a) means, performed by the computer system, for adding to the job ticket information identifying the job ticket; (b) means, performed by the computer system, for adding to the job ticket a document record including information on a document included in the print job and print attributes for the document; (c) means, performed by the computer system, for adding to the job ticket an item record including information on an item that is a component of the document and print attributes for the item, wherein the item record is arranged in a lower hierarchical relationship to the document record, and wherein the print attributes for the document apply to the item, and wherein the item is a member of the set of items comprising: a print image file; a hardcopy file including a list of TIFF files; a library file stored in a library storage device within a server in communication with the computer; variable data describing customized printing options; and an inventory item including information on an object to be included with the print job; (d) means, performed by the computer system, for processing the job ticket; and (e) means performed by the computer system, for transmitting the processed job ticket to a printer.
 18. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the print attribute information is a member of the set of information comprising a layout of a printed page, a model name of a printer on which to print, shading of printed matter printed on the page, and alignment of the printed matter on the printed page.
 19. The apparatus of claim 13, further including: (a) means, performed by the computer system, for adding to the job ticket a second item record including information on a second item that is second component of the document and print attribute information for the second item, and wherein the second item is in a lower hierarchical relation to the document; and (b) means, performed by the computer system, for adding to the job ticket a part record associated with both item records and print attributes for the part record, wherein the part record is in a lower hierarchical relation to the document record and in a higher hierarchical relation to both item records, wherein the print attributes in the document record apply to the part record, and wherein the print attributes that apply to the part record apply to both the item records.
 20. The apparatus of claim 13, further including: (a) a monitor attached to the computer system; (b) an input device attached to the computer system; (c) wherein the means, performed by the computer system, for adding to the job ticket the identification record, the document record, and the item record, further includes: (1) means, performed by the computer system, for displaying a job ticket identification field on the monitor in which information identifying the print job is entered using the input device; (2) means, performed by the computer system, for displaying a document field on the monitor in which information on the document included in the print job is entered using the input device; (3) means, performed by the computer system, for displaying an item field on the monitor in which information on the item is entered using the input device; (4) means, performed by the computer system, for displaying print attribute fields for a selected document record and item record in which information on the print attributes of the selected document record and item record is entered using the input device; and (d) means, performed by the computer system, for storing the entered information in the job ticket.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20, further including: means, performed by the computer system, for displaying the job ticket identification field, document field, item field, and print attribute fields in a GUI; and means, performed by the computer system, for displaying in the GUI a graphical representation of the hierarchical relationship between the document and the item.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the means for displaying the print attribute fields for a selected document record and item record further includes: (a) means for displaying in the GUI a graphical representation of at least two tabs, wherein each tab identifies a page that is associated with at least one of the print attribute fields; and (b) means for displaying in the GUI the page and the print attribute fields associated therewith upon a selection with the input device of the tab identifying the page.
 23. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the means for adding print attribute information to the job ticket further includes means for storing the print attribute information in the job ticket as a key/value pair, wherein the key describes the attribute and the value describes a value for the attribute identified by the key.
 24. The apparatus of claim 13, further including: a database storing item records; a program performing the steps of creating and processing the job ticket, wherein the format of the item records in the database is incompatible with the program; means, performed by the program, for making a call to the database for an item record therein; means, performed by an application program interface, for converting the called item record in the database to a format compatible with the program when the program calls the database for the item record therein; and means, performed by the program, for adding the converted item record to the job ticket.
 25. An article of manufacture for use in programming a computer system, the article of manufacture comprising, a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program embodied therein that causes the computer system to perform the steps of: (a) adding to a job ticket including information on components and print attributes of a print job an identification record including information identifying the job ticket; (b) adding to the job ticket a document record including information on a document included in the print job and print attributes for the document; (c) adding to the job ticket an item record including information on an item that is a component of the document and print attributes for the item, wherein the item record is arranged in a lower hierarchical relationship to the document record, and wherein the print attributes for the document apply to the item; (d) processing the job ticket; and (e) transmitting the processed job ticket to a printer.
 26. The article of manufacture of claim 25, further performing the step of adding to the job ticket a record including information on scheduling options for the print job.
 27. The article of manufacture of claim 25, wherein the item identified in the item record is a print file that includes data representing graphical images, wherein the print file is stored in a computer readable medium, and further including the step of adding to the item record information on a location of the print file.
 28. An article of manufacture for use in programming a computer system, wherein the computer system is comprised of a computer and a server linked together over a network, the article of manufacture comprising a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program embodied therein that causes the computer to perform: (a) adding to a job ticket including information on components and print attributes of a print job an identification record including information identifying the iob ticket; (b) adding to the job ticket a document record including information on a document included in the print job and print attributes for the document; (c) adding to the job ticket an item record including information on an item that is a component of the document and print attributes for the item, wherein the item record is arranged in a lower hierarchical relationship to the document record, and wherein the print attributes for the document apply to the item; (d) accessing the file identified in the item record using the file location information; (e) transmitting with the computer the processed job ticket and a copy of the accessed file over the network to the server; (f) generating with the server a print file from the processed job ticket and transmitted file; and (g) transmitting from the server the print file to a printer.
 29. An article of manufacture for use in programming a computer system, the article of manufacture comprising a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program embodied therein that causes the computer system to perform: (a) adding to a job ticket including information on components and print attributes of a print job an identification record including information identifying the job ticket; (b) adding to the job ticket a document record including information on a document included in the print job and print attributes for the document; (c) adding to the job ticket an item record including information on an item that is a component of the document and print attributes for the item, wherein the item record is arranged in a lower hierarchical relationship to the document record, wherein the print attributes for the document apply to the item, and wherein the item is a member of the set of items comprising: a print image file; a hardcopy file including a list of TIFF files; a library file stored in a library storage device within a server in communication with the computer; variable data describing customized printing options; and an inventory item including information on an object to be included with the print job; (d) processing the job ticket; and (e) transmitting the processed job ticket to a printer.
 30. The article of manufacture claim 25, wherein the print attribute information is a member of the set of information comprising a layout of a printed page, a model name of a printer on which to print, shading of printed matter printed on the page, and alignment of the printed matter on the printed page.
 31. The article of manufacture of claim 25, further performing the steps of: (a) adding to the job ticket a second item record including information on a second item and print attributes thercfor that is a second component of the document, wherein the second item is in a lower hierarchical relation to the document; and (b) adding to the job ticket a part record associated with both item records and including print attribute information, wherein the part record is in a lower hierarchical relation to the document record and in a higher hierarchical relation to both item records, wherein the print attributes in the document record apply to the part record, and wherein the print attributes that apply to the part record apply to both the item records.
 32. The article of manufacture of claim 25, wherein a monitor and input device are attached to the computer system and wherein the step of adding to the job ticket the identification record, the document record, and the item record, further includes performing the steps of: (a) displaying a job ticket identification field on the monitor in which information identifying the print job is entered using the input device; (b) displaying a document field on the monitor in which information on the document included in the print job is entered using the input device; (c) displaying an item field on the monitor in which information on the item is entered using the input device; (d) displaying print attribute fields for a selected document record and item record in which information on the print attributes of the selected document record and item record is entered using the input device; and (e) storing the entered information in the job ticket.
 33. The article of manufacture of claim 32, further performing the steps of: displaying a GUI in which the job ticket identification field, the document field, the item field, and the print attribute fields are displayed; and displaying in the GUI a graphical representation of the hierarchical relationship between the document and the item.
 34. The article of manufacture of claim 33, wherein the steps of displaying the print attribute fields for a selected document record and item record further includes the steps of: (a) displaying in the GUI a graphical representation of at least two tabs, wherein each tab identifies a page that is associated with at least one of the print attribute fields; and (b) displaying in the GUI the page and the print attribute fields associated therewith upon a selection of the tab associated with such page with the input device.
 35. The article of manufacture of claim 25, wherein the print attribute information is stored in the job ticket as a key/value pair, wherein the key describes the attribute and the value describes a value for the attribute identified by the key.
 36. The article of manufacture of claim 25, wherein a database stores item records, wherein a program performs the steps of creating and processing the job ticket, wherein the format of the item records in the database is incompatible with the program, further including the steps of: wherein the step of creating the job ticket further includes the step of the program making a call to the database for an item record therein; converting with an application program interface the called item record in the database to a format compatible with the program when the program calls the database for the item record therein; and wherein the step of creating the job ticket further includes the step of adding the converted item record to the job ticket.
 37. A system for use by a print shop to fulfill a customer order, the system comprising: a job ticket data structure, stored on a computer usable medium within a network of computers connected to a print server connected to a plurality of printers, said job ticket capable of identifying a plurality of documents to be printed as a part of the customer order, each document having a capability to have separate print attributes; said job ticket capable of identifying a plurality of item records associated with each document record, each item record having a capability to have separate print attributes or attributes inherited from the associated document, wherein an item record is capable of identifying an image file, variable data for customizing an associated document, and non-printable inventory items to be packaged with the associated document in fulfilling the customer order; means for transmitting the job ticket, and each item and document referenced in the job ticket and stored as a file within the network, to the print server; means for printing the stored documents and items at more than one printer connected to the network; and means for printing a cover sheet, for each document or item printed at a printer, including information identifying all documents and items identified within the job ticket; whereby the job ticket maintains information on each component of the customer order, all information needed by a print server to print each document within the customer order, and all information needed to assemble the components in fulfilling the customer order.
 38. A method for use by a print shop to fulfill a customer order, the method comprising: creating, within a network of computers connected to a print server connected to a plurality of printers, an electronic job ticket capable of identifying a plurality of documents to be printed as a part of the customer order, each document having a capability to have separate print attributes; said job ticket capable of identifying a plurality of item records associated with each document record, each item record having a capability to have separate print attributes or attributes inherited from the associated document, wherein an item record is capable of identifying an image file, variable data for customizing an associated document, and non-printable inventory items to be packaged with the associated document in fulfilling the customer order; transmitting the job ticket, and each item and document referenced in the job ticket and stored as a file within the network, to the print server; printing the stored documents and items at more than one printer connected to the network; printing a cover sheet, for each document or item printed at a printer, including information identifying all documents and items identified within the job ticket; and assembling all documents and items from the printers along with any non-printable inventory items identified on the cover sheet to fulfill the customer order.
 39. A system for use by a print ship to fulfill a customer order, the system comprising: means for maintaining, within a job ticket data structure within a computer system, information on each component of the customer order, including an identity and location of each one of a plurality of documents to be printed as a part of the customer order and of each one of a plurality of item records associated with at least one of the documents wherein an item record may represent variable data customizing the associated document or a non-printable inventory item to be packaged with the associated document in fulfilling the customer order; means for maintaining, within the job ticket data structure, print attribute information needed by a print server to print each document, as customized by any item record, within the customer order; means for maintaining, within the job ticket data structure, information needed to assemble the printed and non-printable components in fulfilling the customer order; means for retrieving, from the locations specified, the documents and items identified in the job ticket; means for sending the retrieved document and items to a print server; means for printing the documents and items according to the print attribute information on a plurality of printers with each printer printing out a cover sheet indicating the assembly of all components in fulfilling the customer order.
 40. A system for use by a print shop to fulfill a customer order, the system comprising: a job ticket data structure, stored on a computer usable medium within a network of computers connected to a print server connected to a plurality of printers; said job ticket having a capability to identify a plurality of documents and a plurality of items associated with each document for printing, and having a capability to identify non-printable items to be assembled with an associated document, wherein the documents and items are components of the customer order; said job ticket data structure having means for maintaining information on each component of the customer order; means for maintaining print attribute information that directs the print server how to print each document and item within the customer order, and means for maintaining information needed to assemble the components, including printable and non-printable items, in fulfilling the customer order.
 41. The system of claim 40 wherein the job ticket structure further comprises means for specifying a location of the documents and items to be printed.
 42. The system of claim 41 further comprising means for retrieving the documents and items to be printed from the location specified and sending the documents and files to a print server for printing by a plurality of printers according to the print attribute information. 